Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains the psychedelic substances psilocybin and psilocin. They have been used by humans for thousands of years for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Today, they are commonly associated with youth counterculture and psychedelia. When ingested, magic mushrooms cause hallucinations and can induce euphoric feelings. They can also have adverse effects, such as nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and, in rare cases, death. Despite the risks, there is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, particularly for treating mental health disorders. While the consumption of magic mushrooms is mostly illegal in the US, some cities have decriminalized their possession.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shrooms, Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Effects | Euphoria, Hallucinations, Mystical Experience, Perceptual Changes, Nausea, Yawning, Anxiety, Paranoia, Nervousness, Flashbacks |
| Benefits | Potential to treat mental health disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders |
| Legality | Illegal in most parts of the US, Decriminalized in a few cities |
| Risks | Bad trips, Poisoning, Death in rare cases, Withdrawal effects, Physical harm due to impaired judgment |
| Nutritional Benefits | Good source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Ergothioneine, Low in Sodium, Low in Calories, Low in Fat, Low in Cholesterol |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal in the US
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mostly illegal in the US. They are classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to possess, sell, or transfer psilocybin mushrooms. However, some cities have passed measures to decriminalize magic mushrooms, and states like Oregon and Colorado have legalized certain uses.
The use of magic mushrooms has been illegal since the 1500s, when many church institutions and governments, particularly in the Americas, discouraged and criminalized their use. In the 1960s, mushroom use became associated with psychedelia and youth counterculture, and in 1970, magic mushrooms were officially criminalized in the US.
Today, magic mushrooms are still largely illegal under federal and state laws. Possession and cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal, and federal law makes simple possession of psilocybin a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine. However, there is a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, and organizations are pushing for its rescheduling by the World Health Organization.
While magic mushrooms remain illegal in most of the US, some cities have enacted resolutions that make investigations and arrests for possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms among the lowest priorities for law enforcement. In these cities, residents cannot be criminally charged for possessing small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms. Additionally, some states like Oregon and Colorado have legalized certain uses, with Oregon becoming the first state to decriminalize psilocybin in 2020. However, these permitted uses conflict with federal law, and compliance with state law does not protect individuals from possible federal prosecution.
The legal status of magic mushrooms in the US is complex and evolving. While they are still illegal under federal and most state laws, there is a growing movement to decriminalize and legalize their use for therapeutic purposes. As research into the potential benefits of psilocybin continues, it is likely that the legal landscape surrounding magic mushrooms in the US will continue to shift.
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They can be eaten fresh, cooked or brewed into tea
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains the hallucinogenic drugs psilocin and psilocybin. They are typically consumed dried or powdered, but they can also be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately 3 to 6 hours. During this time, users may experience perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and shifts in their sense of reality.
Magic mushrooms have a long history of use, with archaeological evidence suggesting that humans have been using them for ceremonial and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In modern times, magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, but there is advocacy for removing some of the longstanding legal restrictions on their possession and use. This is partly due to their potential health benefits, which include treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can also have negative effects, such as unpleasant physical effects, paranoia, and fear. These negative experiences are known as "bad trips". To reduce the risk of a bad trip, it is recommended to control the amount of mushroom consumed and the environment in which they are consumed. Additionally, magic mushrooms can be dangerous when consumed with other drugs, including some over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
Mushroom supplements, on the other hand, are typically dried and milled mushrooms sold in capsule or powder form. They are purported to have various health benefits, such as modulating stress and improving immunity. While generally safe for consumption, some individuals may experience side effects from mushroom supplements, especially when taken in combination with certain medications. For example, reishi mushrooms may lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous when taken with blood pressure or diabetes medications.
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They can induce hallucinations and euphoria
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic and can induce euphoria. They contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic, and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted to psilocin by the body. Psilocin then attaches to and activates the serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5HT2a) receptor. This activation can lead to hallucinations and a distorted sense of reality, where individuals may see, hear, and feel things that are not happening in the physical world.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely and are influenced by various factors, including dosage, potency, and individual characteristics such as age, biology, sex, personality, and history of drug use. While some users may experience mild trips with feelings of drowsiness or relaxation, others may encounter more intense hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness, especially with higher doses or stronger mushrooms.
The length and intensity of a mushroom trip are unpredictable and can last for up to six hours. It is challenging to end a bad trip once it has started, and it may take hours for the effects to wear off. In some cases, individuals may experience flashbacks, where they relive parts of their mushroom trip, even after the drug has left their system. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if they recall frightening hallucinations or experiences.
Despite the potential risks associated with magic mushrooms, there is a growing interest in their therapeutic benefits. Researchers are exploring the potential of psilocybin to treat various mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some individuals are also self-administering magic mushrooms, hoping to achieve similar therapeutic outcomes. However, it is important to note that unsupervised use outside of a clinical setting can lead to health risks and impaired judgment, potentially resulting in dangerous behaviours.
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They have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", have been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been using magic mushrooms since at least 3000 BC. In Central America, Aztec and Mazateca cultures believed these mushrooms had divine properties and used them during coronations and other important events until at least the 1500s.
The ancient Greeks and Chinese also used mushrooms for medicinal purposes. The Greek physician Hippocrates, circa 450 BCE, classified the amadou mushroom (*Fomes fomentarius*) as a potent anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds. Ötzi, the Ice Man, who lived nearly 5300 years ago, carried amadou and a birch polypore in a pouch to help him survive in the Alps of northern Italy. In traditional Chinese medicine, the reishi mushroom (*Ganoderma lucidum*) was used to prolong life, prevent ageing, and increase energy.
In modern times, there is a new surge of interest in discovering the medicinal benefits of mushrooms. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms, is being studied for its potential to treat mental health disorders such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Polysaccharide K (PSK), a compound found in turkey tail mushrooms, has been used as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients since the mid-1970s and has been safely used in Japan with few side effects.
However, it is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms comes with risks. While they can produce euphoric feelings and potentially relieve mental health conditions, they can also cause unpleasant physical effects and affect a person's thoughts and emotions. Additionally, the use of magic mushrooms is illegal in many places, including the United States, where they are classified as a Schedule I drug.
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They can be used to treat mental health disorders
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are typically consumed dried, powdered, fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic that has hallucinogenic effects. While the use of magic mushrooms is illegal in many places, there is a growing interest in their potential to treat mental health disorders.
Psilocybin has been found to have a positive impact on patients with certain mental illnesses. Research has shown that it can be used to treat substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A single dose of psilocybin has been found to alleviate depression for at least five years in two-thirds of patients in a small study. Another study found that psilocybin has similar side effects to traditional antidepressants, such as headaches, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure, which were generally well-tolerated by participants.
Psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, which means there is a low risk of fatal events such as breathing problems or a heart attack. However, there are still health risks associated with taking psilocybin, especially when unsupervised. These risks include impaired judgment, which could lead to dangerous behaviour such as driving or walking in traffic. Additionally, some people may experience negative effects such as a "bad trip" or flashbacks, which can be disturbing.
While the potential benefits of psilocybin for treating mental health disorders are promising, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and long-term side effects. Some states in the US have decriminalized or deprioritized possession of psilocybin, making it possible for more research to be conducted. It is important to note that the non-medical use of psilocybin typically refers to mushrooms containing psilocybin, as synthetic production is complicated and expensive.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom pills are capsules containing powdered mushrooms. These mushrooms may be regular mushrooms or psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "shrooms" or "magic mushrooms".
The effects of mushroom pills vary depending on the type of mushroom and the individual. Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and a distorted sense of reality. They can also induce euphoria and mystical experiences. However, they may also lead to negative experiences, such as paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
Psilocybin mushrooms are considered a Schedule I drug in the United States, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them. However, there is ongoing advocacy for decriminalization, and some cities have already decriminalized the possession of small amounts for personal use.
While magic mushrooms have a low toxicity level and are not known to cause physical dependence, there are health risks associated with their consumption. These risks include impaired judgment and accidental injury, and negative psychological experiences such as a bad trip or flashbacks. It is important to be cautious when consuming any substance, and to seek medical advice if concerned.
